FIRST Presbyterian LaGrange, Ga CHURCH S eptember 2018 Our Door is Open. Our Time is Now. This year, our Stewardship season will be a bit earlier and shorter than it has been in the past. We will have our official kickoff on Sunday September 30 th with Commitment Sunday being on October 28 th. This was an intentional decision in order to wrap up the formal part of our campaign prior to Rev. Goodlet s first Sermon with us on November 4 th. Due to this shortened timeframe, we want to encourage each of you to begin prayerful consideration of your financial support for First Presbyterian Church. Gifts of all sizes will make a difference in the future of FPC and the lives of the people we serve through the various ministries we support. The pledges that we receive during this process are the vast majority of what funds our budget and mission work for the following year. So, the more pledges we receive, the more we are able to answer God s call to help others. As Christians, we are encouraged to grow in our giving in response to our blessings. As we recognize the gifts that God has provided for us, we are able to share a portion with others. We ask that you consider how God has blessed you and your family and invite each household to grow their giving for the coming year. By taking this next step, you are putting God first and living your faith. Historically, our Congregation has been very faithful givers, and we have no doubt that this year will be any different. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver 2 Corinthians 9:7 -Stewardship Committee
Adult Christian Education Opportunities at FPC -1- Sunday Morning begins ALL CLASSES WELCOME EVERYONE, INCLUDING THOSE FROM OTHER CLASSES. Feel free to move about each quarter by topic if it appeals to you. Bible Explorers: Room 201 Gallant Building (Session Room) Contact Lynda Brock (706) 402-5102 Ecclesiastes led by Joff Brock Celebrations: Room 214 Broad St. Building (Meeting Room) Contact Lennice Parker (706) 302-1774 or email del_parker@bellsouth.net Proverbs led by Rev. Jan Tolbert Fellowship: Small Dining Room (First Floor Gallant Building) Contact Sue Duttera (706) 333-0112 or Jane Foster (706) 333-7200 Unafraid by Adam Hamilton taught by class members KYB: Room 204 Gallant Building Contact Jan Carnes (706) 884-9560 Uniform Lessons series (PCUSA) Open Doors: Church Parlor (first floor Gallant Building) Contact Jake Jones (706) 333-8679 or Julie Patton (706) 402-0324 Feasting on the Word led by Rev. Davis Bailey Seekers: Room 316 in Broad Street Building Contact. Ellen Butts (706) 402-9910 Short Stories by Jesus (The Parables) UKIRK begins Thursday Night Sept. 6 at 5:30pm Spiritual Life Center, LaGrange College! If you have questions, please contact: Emily at 706-773-3363 Wednesday Night Program Begins September 5! Join us at 5:00 PM as we begin our new Wednesday night year with a cookout and music by Front Porch Collective in the Fellowship Hall. Hamburgers and hotdogs will be grilled by Marc Acree and all are welcome to come to supper between 5:00 and 6:00 PM. Dress in your best fan wear! Prizes will be given to the most fanatical team supporter. As always, LaGrange College students eat free. Regular Wednesday Night schedule begins September 12 th Supper 5:00-6:00 PM $5 for adults, $3 for children 1 st thru 6 th grade K and under FREE Children Choir 5:30-6:00 PM in the Choir Room (Room 308 of the Gallant Building) Activities and Studies for Children, Youth and Adults 6:00-7:00 Children are on the third Floor of Gallant Building Youth are in the Youth Lounge Adult Groups welcome YOU! Fresh Air Class meets in the Parlor in the Gallant Building and is currently being taught by Rev. Jan Stewart Tolbert. This class will be studying the Epistles. The Bill Conine Bible Study Group meets in the Session Room (Room 203 of the Broad St. Building). This class is currently being taught by Joff Brock and will be studying the book of Philippians. The Undercover Bible will meet in the Small dining room first floor Gallant Building. This class is taught by Tyler Brock and is offered Fall only. The Chancel Choir practice with Prof. Lee Johnson starts at 6:15 in Room 308 in Gallant Building. Everyone is encouraged to join us!
EVENTS & NEWS Montreat Women s Connection 2018 Welcome Financial Secretary A retreat to nourish our souls with God s beautiful creation, meaningful worship, fellowship, prayer and praise. Montreat Women s Connection deepened our faith in God and allowed us connection with other women. We built wonderful new relationships. Other things we will remember: Conference room 303, prayer walks, aging class, anger management?? Dr. Suess, Rrrrublle!!! Good food, yoga, fairy hair, rain, beautiful mountains, & laughter.. We left Montreat Women s Conference asking ourselves, Why haven t we been before? And, When can we go again? Welcome Debbie Kennedy as our Financial Secretary. Debbie comes to FPC as a career accountant with 16 of those years in church accounting. She is a member of First Baptist Church on the Square and a resident of LaGrange for 35 years. Debbie s office hours will be Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 8am 4pm. Welcome New Members -4- On Sunday, August 5th, the Sacrament of Baptism was administered to Mary Charles Hudson, daughter of Megan & Thomas Hudson. Rev. Jan Tolbert and Rev, Davis Bailey administered the sacrament, and Elder Steve Pelham assisted. Following the Baptism Mrs. Megan Hudson joined First Presbyterian Church by letter of transfer. On Sunday, August 12, Gail & Jim Davis joined First Presbyterian Church by Reaffirmation of Faith. We welcome Mary Charles & Megan Hudson, Gail & Jim Davis into the fellowship and mission of First Presbyterian Church! Come celebrate our newest members at our annual New Member Luncheon on Sunday, September 9 th at 12:00 p.m. Chicken will be provided and guests are asked to bring a side dish according to the alphabet. A-H - salads, I-Q - vegetables, R Z - desserts The Prospective Member Council is pleased to announce the members that will be celebrated at our annual New Member Luncheon to be held on Sunday, September 9 th following the 11:00 a.m. service. The list includes: Corinne and Arch Hodges, Terry Harrison, Brenda Lukemire, Pat Valykeo, Sam Asbell, Hannah Asbell, Maggie Asbell, Barbara and Barrett Orendorff, Beth Hudson, Megan Hudson, Gail and Jim Davis, Kate Asbell, Tolan Bailey, Nancy Caldwell, Joel Davidson, Jack Doerr, Nick Harris, Sam Hubbard, Sara Beth Hubbard, Spencer Jackson, Davis Knight, Kaylee McCravy, Andy Patton, Luke Patton, Robert Polk, Drew Robinson, Belle Solomon, Campbell Vice, Mary Maddox Westmoreland, Mark Willis, Haydon Wolfe, Natalie Wolfe, Lauren Woody and Olivia Woody.
Christian Education Opportunities for Children -2- Every Wednesday beginning Sept. 5th Dinner is served in the Fellowship Hall on the ground floor of the Gallant building from 5:00 6:00 p.m. Children s Choir is located in Room 308 on the 3 rd floor of the Gallant Building from 5:30-6:00 p.m. and is directed by Coral Douglas. Children s Bible activities are held from 6:00 7:00 p.m. on the 3 rd floor of the Gallant Building. A variety of intergenerational activities are held throughout the year, including our annual Advent Festival. Every Sunday beginning Sep. 9th 9:45 a.m. Sunday School Room 306 A 3, 4,&5 year old class Room 306 B First Third Grade Room 309 Fourth and Fifth Grade All children will study The Story for Children, 31 Stories Every Child Should Know. 11:25 am. Children s Worship, Room 303 - children Pre K First Grade will leave the Sanctuary with an adult volunteer. Parents will pick them up at the end of the worship service. Worship Preparation Class begins on September 16 th Second graders will meet in Room 306 A, (The Garden of Eden) for four consecutive weeks. The children will learn the importance of reverence in worship, the Doxology, The Lord s Prayer, the Apostles Creed, and the Gloria Patri. The Sacrament of Communion is discussed and practiced before being presented to the Congregation. Berta Weathersbee Elementary School is looking for Volunteers. Principal Cooks is working with First Presbyterian Church and is excited to start his second year at Berta Weathersbee Elementary. There are several opportunities for volunteers, from adopting a class, to being a classroom reader, and helping out with other projects throughout the year. Pat Valykeo will have more information about these opportunities in the next month. Sign-up sheets are located on the BWS bulletin board outside the pastor s office. All volunteers must fill out a background check. These forms are located in the front office and should be returned by September 16th. For questions contact Patricia Valykeo, cell 616-724-7669 or email patricia.valykeo@gmail.com. Thanks to the volunteers who have helped in the past. We look forward to a great school year. Berta Weathersbee Backpack & School Supply Outreach: Our Partner school, Berta Weathersbee, is asking for the following supplies: Kleenex, Hand Sanitizer, & Band-aids. In addition to these supplies, a $25.00 donation to go toward the purchase of backpacks is also being accepted. All donations can be dropped off in the church office.
-3- SEPTEMBER Presbyterian Women (PW) is changing to a monthly Bible Study and will be called Women of the Church (WOC). Meetings will be held the SECOND Monday (September May) from 10:00 11:00 in the Parlor. The first Bible Study meeting will be Monday, September 10. All women of the church are invited to join us for coffee, fellowship, prayer and Bible Study. For more information, call Margee Keeble (706-8812734) or Pat Valykeo (616-724-7669).
Inside. NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID LAGRANGE GA PERMIT NO. 96 Help is needed for this year s Paint the Town project. Mark your calendars and plan to join First Presbyterian Church s Paint the Town team. Our week of painting is slated for September 26-29. Coleman Vice is coordinating this project and can be reached at coleman@eagle1023.com.